US: Import cargo rising as higher tariffs and potential port strike approach
With a strike possible again next month at East Coast and Gulf Coast container ports and President-elect Donald Trump planning to increase tariffs, the nation's major container ports are expected to see a continued surge in imports through next spring, according to the Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates.
Source: nrf.com
US: Wegmans will open three new stores in 2025
East coast grocer Wegmans is opening three new stores in 2025, including two in brand-new markets, the retailer announced. The new stores are under construction on Long Island, in Connecticut, and in Maryland and all slated to open before the end of 2025. All three stores will feature the traditional Wegmans departments including foodservice options (sushi, pizza, chef-made salads, and sandwiches); a robust produce department; and a wide variety of seafood, meat, bakery, deli, and cheese options.
Source: supermarketnews.com
Shoppers still concerned about inflation but focused on healthy eating
Inflation-weary shoppers might have noticed that grocery prices have leveled out over the last year from their peak in mid-2022, but they're still adjusting their shopping habits while aiming to prioritize healthy eating, according to Kroger's research arm, 84.51°. The biggest products where shoppers are noticing price hikes include dairy (80%); deli, meat and fish (77%); produce (73%); drinks (70%); paper products (64%); frozen food (63%); and cereal (61%).
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: More than 8K workers at Giant Eagle, Heinen's secure new contracts
More than 8,000 grocery workers at Giant Eagle and Heinen's approved new contracts. The four-year agreements include the following: the highest wage increase in decades; higher starting rates and higher premium wage rates; expanded access to affordable family health insurance coverage; expanded preventive services for children and adults; improved paid time off benefits. Further details of the contracts have not been released. UFCW Local 880 represents the workers in Northeast Ohio.
Source: supermarketnews.com
US: Meijer triples home delivery range to serve an additional 4mln households
Midwest retailer Meijer announced the expansion of its home delivery service area, tripling its range from an approximate 20-minute radius from its stores to 60 minutes. This extended delivery zone makes the popular service available to nearly four million additional households in rural and urban areas across the Midwest, with items delivered in as little as three hours.
Source: prnewswire.com
UK grocery sales rise in latest four weeks as shoppers prepare for Christmas
Take-home grocery sales in the UK increased by 2.5% in the four weeks to 1 December 2024 as shoppers prepared for Christmas, according to the latest data from Kantar. Supermarket sales are expected to continue growing, exceeding £13bln (€15.7bln) over the four weeks of December, Kantar added. The cost of an average Christmas dinner for four has increased by 6.5% to £32.57, driven by the price of turkey and Christmas vegetable staples.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Hungary: SPAR strengthens network through modernisation and expansion
SPAR Hungary continues its commitment to enhancing the shopping experience and promoting sustainability with significant investments in store modernisation and network growth. The INTERSPAR Hypermarket in Székesfehérvár now features modern refrigeration systems and materials were reused during renovations. Near the entrance, customers find a fruit and vegetables department, a bakery, and convenience products. Sopron: SPAR Hungary invested over €697,000 to update the layout, strengthen the fruit and vegetable department, and renovate check-out areas of the supermarket. SPAR Hungary has reached a milestone with the opening of its 300th independent retailer operated store in Lenti.
Source: spar-international.com
India: Ninjacart Startup Program launches to empower FoodTech and AgTech startups in accelerating growth
Ninjacart, India's leading agri-tech startup has announced the launch of its Ninjacart Startup Program. This agri-tech-focused startup program aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage FoodTech and AgTech startups by providing access to cutting-edge technology, venture capital partners, financial backing, and expert business advisory.
Source: businesswire.com
Discounter Pepco books 775mln euros Poundland charge; annual loss
European discount retailer Pepco Group reported an annual net loss of 662mln euros ($699mln) citing a non-cash impairment charge of 775mln euros for its Poundland business in the UK on a weak performance and outlook. The Warsaw-listed group, whose shares have fallen 39% this year, said the Poundland impairment charge was primarily goodwill.
Source: reuters.com
Monoprix announces plan to enter Egypt in 2025
French retailer Monoprix plans to make its debut in Egypt next year, as part of its international expansion. Monoprix has teamed up with Egyptian convenience retailer TMT, which operates the Circle K chain in the country, to execute the project. This expansion will have a positive impact on the local economy, create jobs, support Egyptian suppliers, and modernise local commerce.
Source: esmmagazine.com
Italian grocery retail market recovers in 2024, study finds
The grocery retail market in Italy is showing signs of recovery in 2024, with increased sales volume and value, according to data published by GS1 Italy and Circana. Larger stores, such as hypermarkets, showed particularly strong improvements in stock levels, especially for beverages and fresh produce. However, fruit and vegetables continue to have the highest rates of out-of-stock (10.3%) and lost sales (7.3%).
Source: esmmagazine.com
New Zealand: Criminal charges against major supermarkets
The Commerce Commission has announced it will file criminal charges against Woolworths NZ, Pak'nSave Silverdale, and Pak'nSave Mill Street. The Commission alleged inaccurate pricing and misleading specials that may have breached the Fair Trading Act. "Shoppers should have confidence that the price they see will be the price they pay, and specials really are special", said Commerce Commission Deputy Chair Anne Callinan.
Source: supermarketnews.co.nz
Belgium: Oudenaarde welcomes the 39th Bio-Planet store
On Wednesday 11 December, Bio-Planet will open its 39th store in Oudenaarde. Spanning an area of 634m², the store offers a wide variety of pure and natural products, catering to all tastes and dietary needs. There is a wide selection of fibre-rich products, protein-rich products, gluten- and lactose-free products, sugar-free or low-sugar products, veggie and vegan products, and more.
Source: press.colruytgroup.com
Food supplier led by Japanese CEO raises $7.8mln in latest funding round
HCMC-based food supply startup Kamereo has secured US$7.8mln in its latest funding round, bringing its total funding to $15mln. The startup, founded and managed by Japanese entrepreneur Taku Tanaka, received the latest investment from a number of investors including Sumitomo Corporation, Inspire, SMBC Venture Capital, Mitsubishi UFJ Capital and Reazon Holdings. Founded in 2018, Kamereo supplies fresh ingredients such as vegetables, fruits and meat to over 3,000 customers including restaurants, supermarkets, convenience stores, factories, schools and hospitals.
Source: e.vnexpress.net
Tesco: UK's top 10 choices for the modern Santa's Christmas Eve snack
New research from Tesco has revealed the top 10 snacks that the nation thinks a modern Father Christmas would like to enjoy during his Christmas Eve deliveries. The top 10 modern snacks for Santa are: 1. Doughnut; 2. Cheeseboard; 3. A meal deal, complete with seasonal sandwich, side and drink; 4. Cereal bar/protein bar; 5. Crisps and dip; 6. Croissant; 7. Scotch egg; 8. Charcuterie platter; 9. Yoghurt; 10. Fruit salad.
Source: tescoplc.com